New luxury hotels, an arts precinct, a waterfront brewery and an expanded marina are among the millions of dollars of development underway in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland Director of Business and Tourism Events Rosie Douglas said the popularity of the destination had brought a surge of investment in infrastructure ideal for the business events industry.
“Especially exciting is the advent of new luxury hotels for Cairns with the Ghassan Aboud Group undertaking a $120 million redevelopment of the Rydges Tradewinds into a five-star hotel with 300 rooms, and constructing an $80 million inner-city hotel with 200 hotel rooms and 100 apartments.
“The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino has just completed a $6.5 million refurbishment, including a new-look hotel lobby, the expansion of Tamarind Restaurant, a 4-metre LED interactive pillar showcasing reef and rainforest displays, and new Bar36 Live Lounge.
“The $550 million Nova City, a luxurious residential and commercial development near the Cairns Convention Centre, will also add to the city’s accommodation inventory.
“Meanwhile, the $50 million Cairns Aquarium is nearing completion and slated for opening in May, offering a unique indoor event space and a new touring option in the heart of the city.
“The Precinct in Cairns, a $66.5 million development incorporating the Cairns Performing Arts Centre, is under construction alongside the Munro Martin Parklands outdoor performance space.
“The Cairns CBD is also getting a facelift with the $17.4 million City Centre Alive transforming the city heart into a landscaped pedestrian friendly area with public art and feature lighting.
“On the waterfront, Shed 2 at the Cruise Liner Terminal will become the second location for Port Douglas-based Hemingway’s Brewery. With construction scheduled to begin in March, the new brewery will span more than1400 sq. m and will be available for offsite events.
“In Port Douglas, the Reef Marina is undergoing an $85 million expansion with 44 additional berths, luxury residences and new waterfront dining and entertainment areas including the original Hemingway’s Brewery.
“The Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas Resort has completed a $40 million upgrade including new suites and swim out rooms as well as the redevelopment of the Country Club, the resort’s main buildings, surrounding pools and landscaping.”